new [spicy] wine.

I am definitely not a wine snob by any means, but as I try more kinds of wine...the more I realize that some are just a lot better than others. A little of my wine history (to prove I am cheap, and not a snob...in case ya didn't know).

I acquired a taste for wine while studying in Luxembourg. Wine is cheaper than water in most places in Europe. I am not joking...good wine comes at a low cost and pure water at a rather high one (if my memory serves me right). Anyway, I learned to love good wine. When I lived in California my love of wine grew as I was once again exposed to great wine at little cost.

I don't spend a lot of money in one place ever, so I can guarantee I am not going to spend $20 on a bottle of wine that will be gone in a weekend (or a really good Tuesday night). That being said, I think I am getting really good at finding great wine, for less than $10.

Tonight I was drawn to a new bottle at Kroger...one with a chili pepper on it. I had a Malbec in hand (my new favorite) and put it back on the shelf to read about the Carmenere from Chile.

The description read: A unique Chilean wine variety, that is almost black in color. Aromatically it shows exotic spices together with fruity and juicy blueberries. On the palate, round tannis that succumb in a long velvety chocolate finish. Then it goes on to say it goes well with Tex-Mex, spicy food and burgers. Anyway, I was sold at "exotic spices" and I can say...that's definitely what I taste. It's a spicy wine that I am hesitant to recommend to anyone, because it's definitely a unique taste. I was pleasantly surprised for a random $5.99 pick.

I just Googled the wine and apparently it is similar to the Malbec...which is not surprising since they are close in region (Malbec is from Argentina). I am glad I tried something new...and if you are into spicy flavors, I say give Carmenere a shot. Cheers!